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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 2:10-12

We have here the practical application of this gospel doctrine concerning the kingdom of the Messiah, by way of exhortation to the kings and judges of the earth. They hear that it is in vain to oppose Christ's government; let them therefore be so wise for themselves as to submit to it. He that has power to destroy them shows that he has no pleasure in their destruction, for he puts them into a way to make themselves happy, Ps. 2:10. Those that would be wise must be instructed; and those are... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 2:10

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings ,.... This address is made not so much to the kings of the earth in David's time, as to those who would be under the Gospel dispensation, and times of the Messiah; and particularly who would rise up, and set themselves against the Lord and his Anointed, Psalm 2:2 ; and with these are to be understood their subjects: for if they are to serve the Lord, and be subject to Christ, then much more those that are under them; and they are rather spoken to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 2:10

Be wise - O ye kings - An exhortation of the Gospel to the rulers of all kingdoms, nations, and states, to whom it may be sent. All these should listen to its maxims, be governed by its precepts, and rule their subjects according to its dictates. Be instructed, ye judges - Rather, Be ye reformed - cast away all your idolatrous maxims; and receive the Gospel as the law, or the basis of the law, of the land. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 2:10

Verse 10 David having, as a preacher of the judgments of God, set forth the vengeance which God would take upon his enemies proceeds now, in the character of a prophet and teacher, to exhort the unbelieving to repentance, that they may not, when it is too late, be compelled to acknowledge, from dire experience, that the divine threatenings are neither idle nor ineffectual. And he addresses by name kings and rulers, who are not very easily brought to a submissive state of mind, and who are,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 2:1-12

The psalm is certainly Messianic. It is assumed to be so in Acts 4:25 ; Acts 13:33 ; Hebrews 1:5 ; Hebrews 5:5 . However it may, to a certain extent, apply to David, David cannot exhaust its allusions. Hebrews 5:7 , Hebrews 5:8 , and Hebrews 5:12 are inapplicable to David, and must refer to the Messiah. The Jews admitted the Messianic character of the psalm, until driven into denial by the controversy with Christians. Most modern critics allow it. There is a certain... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 2:1-12

The King in Zion: a Messianic psalm. A close examination of this psalm will show it to be at once prophetic and Messianic. Its date and author are not certainly known. The style rather points to David as the probable writer. To him especially the promise of a King who should reign in righteousness formed part of that "everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure." By faith in that covenant he foresaw him, who, being emphatically the Just One, should rule in the fear of God (see 2... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 2:1-12

The heathen in three aspects. I. AS SLAVES OF SIN . The condition of peoples varies. Civilization was more advanced in Greece and Rome than in other parts of the world. But though there may be superiority in some respects, with regard to the highest things there is no difference ( Romans 3:9 ). What a terrible picture have we in this psalm of the crimes and violence and miseries that desolate the world, where "the lust of the eye, and the lust of the flesh, and the pride of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 2:1-12

The Divine King. This psalm is supposed by some to have been written about the time of the coronation of Solomon. The heathen might then be the subject nations outside of Palestine, which threatened rebellion at this time. The seventh verse is applied to Christ in Hebrews 1:1-14 . Let us use the psalm in this higher application of it to Christ. I. THE REBELLION OF THE WORLD AGAINST CHRIST . 1 . Is an unrighteous rebellion. Rebellion against evil powers is a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 2:10

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings . The remainder of the psalm contains the advice of the psalmist to the rebels of Psalms 2:1-3 , and to all who may be inclined to imitate them. "Be wise," he says," be prudent. For your own sakes desist from attempts at rebellion. Jehovah and Messiah are irresistible. Ye will find it "hard to kick against the pricks.'" Be instructed, ye judges of the earth. "Be taught," i.e; "by experience, if ye are not wise enough to know beforehand, that opposition... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 2:10

Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings - This is to be understood as the language of the psalmist. See introduction to the psalm, Section 3. It is an exhortation addressed to the rulers and princes whom the psalmist saw engaged in opposition to the purpose of Yahweh Psalms 2:1-3 - and hence, to all rulers and princes - to act the part of wisdom, by not attempting to resist the plans of God, but to submit to him, and secure his friendship. The psalmist cautions them to take warning, in view of what... read more

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